Continuity providing port

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims the benefit and priority of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/661,288, filed on Oct. 26, 2012, which claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/554,572, filed on Nov. 2, 2011. The entire contents of such applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

It is desirable to maintain continuity through a coaxial cable connector, which typically involves the continuous contact of conductive connector components which can prevent radio frequency (RF) leakage and ensure a stable ground connection. For example, physical contact between a nut and a post of a coaxial cable connector extends a continuous, uninterrupted ground path through the connector when the connector is mated onto a port. An additional continuity member, such as a metal spring or a metal washer, disposed within the connector is typically required to extend electrical continuity through the connector. However, not all coaxial cable connectors come equipped with the additional component required to extend electrical continuity through the connector. The absence of a continuity member within the connector adversely affects signal quality and invites RF leakage with poor RF shielding when the connector is mated onto the port.

Thus, a need exists for an apparatus and method for a port that provides continuity through a standard coaxial cable connector not having an additional continuity member.

SUMMARY

One general aspect relates to a port comprising an outer housing having a first end and a second end, the outer housing configured to terminate a coaxial cable connector at one or both of a first end and a second end, and a biasing member disposed within the outer housing to bias a post of the coaxial cable connector into contact with a coupling member of the coaxial cable connector, wherein the contact between the post and the coupling member extends continuity between the post and the coupling member.

Another general aspect relates to a port comprising an outer housing having a first end and a second end, the outer housing configured to terminate a coaxial cable connector at one or both of a first end and a second end, and a biasing member disposed within the outer housing to bias against a post of the coaxial cable, wherein the contact between the post and the biasing extends electrical continuity between the coaxial cable connector and the port.

Another general aspect relates to a port comprising an outer housing having a first portion and a second portion, a first insulator disposed within the first portion of the outer housing, a collar operably attached to the first insulator, the collar having a flange, and a biasing member disposed between the collar and a second insulator body, the biasing member configured to exert a biasing force against the collar in a first direction and against a second insulator body in a second direction when being compressed.

Another general aspect relates to a port comprising an outer housing having a first portion and a second portion, a first insulator disposed within the first portion of the outer housing, wherein a collar is operably attached to the first insulator, and a biasing member disposed within the outer housing, the biasing member biasingly engaging the collar.

Another general aspect relates to a port comprising an outer housing having a first portion and a second portion, a first moveable insulator disposed within the first portion, wherein a first collar is operably attached to the first moveable insulator, a second moveable insulator disposed within the second portion, wherein a second collar is operably attached to the second moveable insulator, and a biasing member disposed within the outer housing, the biasing member biasingly engaging the first collar and the second collar.

Another general aspect relates to a port comprising an outer housing having a first end and a second end, the outer housing configured to terminate a coaxial cable connector at one or both of a first end and a second end, and a means to extend electrical continuity between a coupling member of the coaxial cable connector and a post of the coaxial cable connector, wherein the means is disposed within the outer housing.

Another general aspect relates to a method of providing continuity to a coaxial cable connector, comprising providing an outer housing having a first end and a second end, the outer housing configured to terminate a coaxial cable connector at one or both of a first end and a second end, disposing a biasing member within the outer housing to bias at least one collar, and advancing the coaxial cable connector onto the outer housing to bring a post of the coaxial cable connector into engagement with the at least one collar, wherein the engagement between the post and the at least one collar biases the post into a coupling member of the coaxial cable connector to extend electrical continuity through the connector.

Another general aspect relates to a port for a connector having a post and a coupler. The port comprises an outer housing having a first portion and a second portion, a collar having a flange configured to engage a post of a connector, and a first insulator body disposed within the first portion and having a mating edge configured to engage the flange. The port further comprises a second insulator body having a first end and a second end and disposed within the second portion. The port further comprises a biasing member at least partially surrounding the first insulator body and configured to engage the collar at a forward end and the first end of the second insulator body at a rearward end. Engagement of the port with the connector exerts a biasing force against the collar to contact the post and to bias the post into contact with a coupler to maintain physical and electrical contact between the post and the coupler.

Another general aspect relates to a port for coupling a cable connector having a post and a coupler. The port comprises a collar configured to contact a post, a first insulator body disposed within at least a portion of the collar, a second insulator body spaced axially from the collar, and a biasing member disposed between the first insulator body and the second insulator body. The biasing member is configured to exert a biasing force against the first insulator body in one direction and against the second insulator body in another direction. The biasing force exerted against the first insulator body is transferred to a post so as to bias the post into contact with a coupler to maintain physical and electrical contact between the coupler and the post.

Another general aspect relates to a port for a connector having a post and a coupler. The port comprises a collar configured to contact a post, an insulator body spaced axially from the collar, and a biasing structure having a first end and a second end. The second end is configured to exert a biasing force against the insulator body and the first end is configured to exert a biasing force from the collar to the post of a connector when the connector is coupled to the port so as to biasingly maintain physical and electrical contact between the post and a coupler.

Still another general aspect relates to a port for biasingly maintaining an electrical ground path in a connector having a post and a coupler when the connector is coupled to the port. The port comprises a collar, an insulator body, and a biasing member configured to biasingly maintain a post and a coupler of a connector in electrical contact with one another during operation of the connector and when the connector is coupled to the port.

The foregoing and other features of construction and operation will be more readily understood and fully appreciated from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members, wherein:

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> depicts a perspective view of a first embodiment of a port;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> depicts a cross-section view of the first embodiment of the port;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> depicts a cross-section view of the first embodiment of the port having an embodiment of an alternative biasing member;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> depicts a cross-section view of the first embodiment of the port having an embodiment of an alternative biasing member;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> depicts a cross-section view of the first embodiment of the port having an embodiment of an alternative biasing member;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> depicts a cross-section view of the first embodiment of the port in an original position;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> depicts a cross-section view of the first embodiment of the port in a compressed or advanced position; and

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> depicts a cross-section view of a second embodiment of a port.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A detailed description of the hereinafter described embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures. Although certain embodiments are shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the present disclosure will in no way be limited to the number of constituting components, the materials thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, etc., and are disclosed simply as an example of embodiments of the present disclosure.

As a preface to the detailed description, it should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Referring to the drawings, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> depicts an embodiment of a port <b>100</b>. Embodiments of port <b>100</b> may terminate a coaxial cable connector, and may be configured to extend continuity through a standard coaxial cable by biasing the post into contact with the nut when the connector is terminated at the port. Terminating a coaxial cable connector may occur when the connector is mated, threadably or otherwise, with port <b>100</b>. Embodiments of port <b>100</b> may be a two-sided port, such as found in a splice, a one-sided equipment port, such as found on a cable box, an equipment port, such as found on a cell tower, or any conductive receptacle configured to mate with a coaxial cable connector and/or receive a center conductive strand of a coaxial cable. Embodiments of the port <b>100</b> may include a first end <b>1</b> and a second end <b>2</b>, and may have an inner surface <b>3</b> and an outer surface <b>4</b>. An annular flange portion <b>9</b> of the port <b>100</b> may be positioned between the first end <b>1</b> and the second end <b>2</b>, wherein the annular flange portion <b>9</b> may be a bulkhead or other physical portion that provides separation from a first portion <b>10</b> and a second portion <b>20</b> and also may provide an edge having a larger outer diameter than the outer surface <b>4</b> of the port <b>100</b>. For example, the annular flange portion <b>9</b> may separate a first portion <b>10</b>, or first side, and a second portion <b>20</b>, or second side. Embodiments of the first portion <b>10</b> of the port <b>100</b> may be configured to matably receive a coaxial cable connector, such as connector <b>1000</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. The outer surface <b>4</b> (or a portion thereof) of the port <b>100</b> may be threaded to accommodate an inner threaded surface of a coupling member <b>1030</b> of connector <b>1000</b>. However, embodiments of the outer surface <b>4</b> of the port <b>100</b> may be smooth or otherwise non-threaded. In further embodiments, the second portion <b>20</b> of the port <b>100</b> may also matably receive a coaxial cable connector, such as connector <b>1000</b>. It should be recognized that the radial thickness and/or the length of the port <b>100</b> and/or the conductive receptacle may vary based upon generally recognized parameters corresponding to broadband communication standards and/or equipment. Moreover, the pitch and depth of threads which may be formed upon the outer surface <b>4</b> of the coaxial cable interface port <b>100</b> may also vary based upon generally recognized parameters corresponding to broadband communication standards and/or equipment. Furthermore, it should be noted that the port <b>100</b> may be formed of a single conductive material, multiple conductive materials, or may be configured with both conductive and non-conductive materials corresponding to the port's <b>100</b> electrical interface with a coaxial cable connector, such as connector <b>1000</b>. Further still, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill that the port <b>100</b> may be embodied by a connective interface component of a communications modifying device such as a signal splitter, a cable line extender, a cable network module and/or the like.

Referring still to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, and with additional reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, embodiments of port <b>100</b> may include an outer housing <b>90</b>, a first insulator body <b>50</b>, a second insulator body <b>60</b>, an electrical contact <b>30</b>, a collar <b>70</b>, and a biasing member <b>80</b>. Embodiments of port <b>100</b>, <b>300</b> may include an outer housing <b>90</b>, <b>390</b> having a first end <b>91</b>, <b>391</b> and a second end <b>92</b>, <b>392</b>, the outer housing <b>90</b>, <b>390</b> configured to terminate a coaxial cable connector <b>1000</b> at one or both of a first end <b>91</b>, <b>391</b> and a second end <b>92</b>, <b>392</b>, and a biasing member <b>80</b>, <b>180</b>, <b>280</b>, <b>380</b> disposed within the outer housing <b>90</b>, <b>390</b> to bias a post <b>1040</b> of the coaxial cable connector <b>1000</b> into contact with a coupling member <b>1030</b> of the coaxial cable connector <b>1000</b>, wherein the contact between the post <b>1040</b> and the coupling member <b>1030</b> extends continuity between the post <b>1040</b> and the coupling member <b>1030</b>. Further embodiments of port <b>100</b>, <b>300</b> may include an outer housing <b>90</b>, <b>390</b> having a first portion <b>10</b>, <b>310</b>, and a second portion <b>320</b>, a first insulator <b>50</b>, <b>350</b> disposed within the first portion <b>10</b>, <b>310</b> of the outer housing <b>90</b>, <b>390</b>, wherein a collar <b>70</b>, <b>370</b><i>a </i>is operably attached to the first insulator <b>50</b>, <b>350</b>, and a biasing member <b>80</b>, <b>180</b>, <b>280</b>, <b>380</b> disposed within the outer housing <b>90</b>, <b>390</b>, the biasing member <b>80</b>, <b>180</b>, <b>280</b>, <b>380</b> biasingly engaging the collar <b>70</b>, <b>370</b><i>a</i>. Even further embodiments of port <b>100</b> may include an outer housing <b>90</b> having a first portion <b>10</b> and a second portion <b>20</b>, a first insulator <b>50</b> disposed within the first portion <b>10</b> of the outer housing <b>90</b>, a collar <b>70</b> operably attached to the first insulator <b>50</b>, the collar having a flange <b>75</b>, and a biasing member <b>80</b>, <b>180</b>, <b>280</b> disposed between the collar <b>70</b> and a second insulator body <b>60</b>, the biasing member <b>80</b>, <b>180</b>, <b>280</b> configured to exert a biasing force against the collar <b>70</b> in a first direction and against a second insulator body <b>60</b> in a second direction when being compressed.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> depicts an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector <b>1000</b>. Embodiments of coaxial cable connector <b>1000</b> may be any standard coaxial cable connector which does or does not include an additional component or special structure to effectuate continuous grounding through the connector <b>1000</b>. More particularly, the coaxial cable connector <b>1000</b> may be an F connector, a 75 Ohm connector, a 50 Ohm connector, a connector used in wireless applications for attachment to an equipment port on a cell tower, a connector used with broadband communications, and the like. Moreover, embodiments of a coaxial cable connector <b>1000</b> may be operably affixed to a coaxial cable <b>15</b>, wherein the coaxial cable includes a center conductor <b>18</b> being surrounded by a dielectric <b>16</b>, which is surrounded by an outer conductive strand <b>14</b>, which is surrounded by a protective cable jacket <b>12</b>. Embodiments of the coaxial cable connector <b>1000</b> may include a coupling member <b>1030</b>, a post <b>1040</b>, a connector body <b>1050</b>, and other various components, such as a fastener or cap member. The coupling member <b>1030</b> may include a flange <b>1036</b> and may be operably attached to the post <b>1040</b> such that the coupling member <b>1030</b> may rotate freely about the post and ultimately thread onto or otherwise mate with the port <b>100</b>. Embodiments of the coupling member <b>1030</b> can be conductive; for example, can be comprised of metal(s) to extend continuity between the post <b>1040</b> and/or the outer threads of the port <b>100</b>. Other embodiments of the coupling member <b>1030</b> may be formed of plastic or similar non-metal material because electrical continuity may extend through contact the post <b>1040</b> and the port <b>100</b> (e.g. post <b>1040</b> to collar <b>70</b> or conductive insulator body <b>50</b>). The post <b>1040</b> may be configured to receive a prepared end of the cable <b>15</b> as known to those skilled in the art, and may include a flange <b>1045</b> and a mating edge <b>46</b>; the mating edge <b>46</b> may be configured to engage a collar <b>70</b> as the connector <b>1000</b> is threadably or otherwise advanced onto the port <b>1000</b>. The connector body <b>1050</b> can be operably attached to the post and radially surround the post <b>1040</b>, as known to those having skill in the art.

Referring again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, with continued reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, embodiments of port <b>100</b> may include an outer housing <b>90</b>. Embodiments of the outer housing <b>90</b> may include a generally axial opening therethrough to accommodate one or more components within the outer housing <b>90</b>. The components disposed within the outer housing <b>90</b> may be moveable within the opening of the outer housing <b>90</b> in a generally axial direction. The outer housing <b>90</b> may have exterior threaded surface portions <b>94</b> that may correspond to a threaded inner surface of a coupler member <b>1030</b> of a coaxial cable connector <b>1000</b>. The outer housing <b>90</b> may also include a first portion <b>10</b>, a second portion <b>20</b>, and an annular flange portion <b>9</b> that can separate the first portion <b>10</b> and the second portion <b>20</b>. Embodiments of the first portion <b>10</b>, the second portion <b>20</b>, and the annular flange portion <b>9</b> may be structurally integral with each other forming a single, one-piece conductive component. Moreover, the outer housing <b>90</b> may include an annular recess <b>95</b> along an inner surface <b>93</b> of the outer housing <b>90</b>. The annular recess <b>95</b> may be a portion of the inner surface <b>93</b> that is recessed a distance, forming an edge <b>96</b>. Proximate or otherwise near the distal end of the second portion <b>20</b> (distal from the annular flange portion <b>9</b>), a radially inwardly extending portion <b>98</b> may act as a stopper or other physical edge to restrain axial movement of a second insulator body <b>60</b> when biasing forces are exerted onto the second insulator body <b>60</b> during mating of the connector <b>1000</b> onto port <b>100</b>. Furthermore, embodiments of outer housing <b>90</b> may include an inner annular shoulder <b>97</b>, as depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>. The shoulder <b>97</b> may protrude a distance from the inner surface <b>93</b> of the outer housing <b>90</b> to provide an edge for the biasing member <b>80</b> to rest on, make contact with, or bias against. The contact between the flat face of the shoulder <b>97</b> and the biasing member <b>80</b> may eliminate any grounding concerns by ensuring sufficient contact between the biasing member <b>80</b> and the outer housing <b>90</b>. The outer housing <b>90</b> should be formed of metals or other conductive materials that would facilitate a rigidly formed outer shell. Manufacture of the outer housing <b>90</b> may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, knurling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component.

Referring still to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>, embodiments of the port <b>100</b> may include a first insulator body <b>50</b>. Embodiments of the first insulator body <b>50</b> may be a generally annular or cylindrical tubular member, and may be disposed or otherwise located within the generally axial opening of the outer housing <b>90</b>, proximate or otherwise near the first end <b>1</b> of the port <b>100</b>. In other words, the first insulator body <b>50</b> may be disposed within the first portion <b>10</b> of the outer housing <b>90</b>. The first insulator body <b>50</b> may include a first end <b>51</b>, a second end <b>52</b>, an inner surface <b>53</b>, and an outer surface <b>54</b>. Proximate the first end <b>51</b>, the first insulator body <b>50</b> may include a first mating edge <b>57</b> which is configured to physically engage a flange <b>75</b> of a collar <b>70</b> that may be disposed around the first insulator body <b>50</b>. Proximate or otherwise near the opposing second end, the first insulator body <b>50</b> may include a second edge <b>58</b>. The first insulator body <b>50</b> may have an outer diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the opening of the outer housing <b>90</b> to allow the collar <b>70</b> to fit within the opening of the outer housing <b>90</b>. Moreover, the first insulator body <b>50</b> may include an inner opening <b>55</b> extending axially from the first end <b>51</b> through the second end <b>52</b>; the inner opening <b>55</b> may have various diameters at different axial points between the first end <b>51</b> and the second end <b>52</b>. For example, the inner opening may be initially tapered proximate or otherwise near the first end <b>51</b> and taper inward to a constant diameter and then taper outward to a larger diameter proximate or otherwise near the second end <b>52</b>. The inner opening <b>55</b> may be sized and dimensioned to accommodate a portion of an electrical contact <b>30</b>, and when a coaxial cable connector <b>1000</b> is mated onto the port <b>100</b>, the inner opening <b>55</b> may accommodate a portion of a center conductor <b>18</b> of a coaxial cable. Furthermore, the first insulator body <b>50</b> should be made of non-conductive, insulator materials. Manufacture of the first insulator body <b>50</b> may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, compression molding, injection molding, spraying, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component.

Embodiments of port <b>100</b> may also include a second insulator body <b>60</b>. Embodiments of the second insulator body <b>60</b> may be a generally annular or cylindrical tubular member, and may be disposed or otherwise located within the generally axial opening of the outer housing <b>90</b>, proximate or otherwise near the second end <b>2</b> of the port <b>100</b>. In other words, the second insulator body <b>60</b> may be disposed within the second portion <b>20</b> of the outer housing <b>90</b>. The second insulator body <b>60</b> may include a first end <b>61</b>, a second end <b>62</b>, an inner surface <b>63</b>, and an outer surface <b>64</b>. Proximate or otherwise near the first end <b>61</b>, the second insulator body <b>60</b> may include a first edge <b>67</b> which is configured to physically engage a biasing member <b>80</b>. For instance, the first edge <b>67</b> may be a surface of the second insulator body <b>60</b> that physically contacts the biasing member <b>80</b>. Proximate or otherwise near the second end <b>62</b>, the second insulator body <b>60</b> may include a second edge <b>68</b> that is configured to engage the inwardly radially extending portion <b>98</b> (e.g. a stopper) of the outer housing <b>90</b>; the engagement of the second edge <b>86</b> and portion <b>98</b> can maintain a stationary position of the second insulator body <b>60</b> which provides a normal or otherwise reactant force against the biasing force of the biasing member <b>80</b> to facilitate the compression and/or biasing of the biasing member <b>80</b>. The second insulator body <b>60</b> may have an outer diameter that is sized and dimensioned to fit within the opening of the outer housing <b>90</b>. For example, the second insulator body <b>60</b> may be press-fit or interference fit within the opening of the outer housing <b>90</b>. Moreover, the second insulator body <b>60</b> may include an inner opening <b>65</b> extending axially from the first end <b>61</b> through the second end <b>62</b>; the inner opening <b>65</b> may have various diameters at different axial points between the first end <b>61</b> and the second end <b>62</b>. For example, the inner opening may be initially tapered proximate or otherwise near the second end <b>62</b> and taper inward to a constant diameter and then taper outward to a larger diameter proximate or otherwise near the first end <b>61</b>. The inner opening <b>65</b> may be sized and dimensioned to accommodate a portion of an electrical contact <b>30</b>. Furthermore, the second insulator body <b>60</b> should be made of non-conductive, insulator materials. Manufacture of the second insulator body <b>60</b> may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, compression molding, injection molding, spraying, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component.

Furthermore, embodiments of port <b>100</b> may include an electrical contact <b>30</b>. Embodiments of the electrical contact <b>30</b> may be a conductive element/member that may extend or carry an electrical current and/or signal from a first point to a second point. Contact <b>30</b> may be a terminal, a pin, a conductor, an electrical contact, and the like. Electrical contact <b>30</b> may include a first end <b>31</b> and an opposing second end <b>32</b>. Portions of the electrical contact <b>30</b> proximate or otherwise near the first end <b>31</b> may be disposed within the inner opening <b>55</b> of the first insulator body <b>50</b> while portions of the electrical contact <b>30</b> proximate or otherwise near the second end <b>32</b> may be disposed within the inner opening <b>65</b> of the second insulator body <b>60</b>. Moreover, embodiments of the electrical contact <b>30</b> may include a first socket <b>35</b><i>a </i>proximate or otherwise near the first end <b>31</b> of the contact <b>30</b> to receive, accept, collect, and/or clamp a center conductive strand <b>18</b> of a coaxial cable connector <b>1000</b>. Likewise, embodiments of the electrical contact <b>30</b> may include a second socket <b>35</b><i>b </i>proximate or otherwise near the second end <b>32</b>. The sockets <b>35</b><i>a</i>, <b>35</b><i>b </i>may be slotted to permit deflection to more effectively clamp and/or increase contact surface between the center conductor <b>18</b> and the socket <b>35</b><i>a</i>, <b>35</b><i>b</i>. The electrical contact <b>30</b> may be electrically isolated from the collar <b>75</b> and the conductive outer shell <b>90</b> by the first and second insulator bodies <b>50</b>, <b>60</b>. Embodiments of the electrical contact <b>30</b> should be made of conductive materials.

With continued reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>, embodiments of the port <b>100</b> may further include a collar <b>70</b>. Embodiments of the collar <b>70</b> may be a generally annular member having a generally axial opening therethrough. The collar <b>70</b> may be operably attached to the first insulator body <b>50</b>. For instance, the collar <b>70</b> may be disposed around the first insulator body <b>50</b>, proximate or otherwise near the first end <b>51</b>. The collar <b>70</b> may be press-fit or interference fit around the first insulator body <b>50</b>. Moreover, the collar <b>70</b> may include a first end <b>71</b>, a second end <b>72</b>, an inner surface <b>73</b>, and an outer surface <b>74</b>. Embodiments of the collar <b>70</b> may include a flange <b>75</b> proximate or otherwise near the first end <b>71</b>; the flange <b>75</b> can be a radially inward protrusion that may extend a radial distance inward into the general axial opening of the collar <b>70</b>. The flange <b>75</b> may physically engage the mating edge <b>57</b> of the first insulator body <b>50</b> while operably configured, and may prevent axial movement of the collar <b>70</b> toward the second end <b>2</b> of the port <b>100</b> that is independent of the first insulator body <b>50</b>. In other words, when the collar <b>70</b> is engaged and displaced by a coaxial cable connector <b>1000</b> as the connector <b>100</b> is being threaded or otherwise inserted onto the first portion <b>10</b> of the outer housing <b>90</b>, the mechanical engagement between the flange <b>75</b> of the collar <b>70</b> and the mating edge <b>57</b> of the first insulator body <b>50</b> can allow the first insulator body <b>50</b> and the collar <b>70</b> to move/slide axially within the general opening of the outer housing <b>90</b> and engage the biasing member <b>80</b>. Furthermore, the collar <b>70</b> may include a mating edge <b>76</b> proximate or otherwise near the second end <b>72</b> of the collar <b>70</b>. The mating edge <b>76</b> may be configured to biasingly engage the biasing member <b>80</b>. Embodiments of the mating edge <b>76</b> of the collar <b>70</b> may be tapered or ramped to deflect/direct the deformation of the biasing member <b>80</b> towards the outer surface <b>54</b> of the first insulator body <b>50</b>. The degree of tapering, the direction of the taper, and the presence of a tapered mating edge <b>76</b> may be utilized to alter or control the amount of spring force exerted onto the internal component(s) of the port <b>100</b>. The collar <b>70</b> may be formed of metals or other conductive materials that would facilitate a rigidly formed cylindrical tubular body. Manufacture of the collar <b>70</b> may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, knurling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component.

Embodiments of the port <b>100</b> may further include a biasing member <b>80</b>. Embodiments of a biasing member <b>80</b> may be any component that is compressible and can exert a biasing force against an object (in a direction opposing the inward direction that the biasing member <b>80</b> is being compressed) to return to its original shape. For example, embodiments of the biasing member <b>80</b> may be a spring, a coil spring, a compression spring, a rubber gasket, one or more O-rings, rubber bushing(s), spacer(s), spring finger(s), and the like, that has a combination of rigidity and elasticity to compress/deform in a manner that exerts a biasing force against the collar <b>70</b>, in particular, against the mating edge <b>76</b> of the collar <b>70</b>. Furthermore, embodiments of the biasing member <b>80</b> may be disposed between the collar <b>70</b> and the second insulator body <b>60</b> within the general axial opening of the outer housing <b>90</b>. For instance, the biasing member <b>80</b> may biasingly engage the collar <b>70</b> at a first end <b>81</b> of the biasing member <b>80</b> and biasingly engage the second insulator body <b>60</b> at a second end <b>82</b> of the biasing member <b>80</b>. When a connector <b>1000</b> is threaded or otherwise inserted onto port <b>100</b>, the biasing member <b>80</b> can compress between the collar <b>70</b> and the second insulator body <b>60</b>, exerting a biasing force against the collar <b>70</b>, which can ultimately force the post <b>1040</b> back into contact with the coupling member <b>1030</b> to extend electrical continuity through the connector <b>1000</b> and continue through the port <b>100</b>. Additionally, the biasing of the collar <b>70</b> against the post <b>1040</b> can extend electrical continuity between the post <b>1040</b>, or mating edge of the post <b>1046</b>, and the collar <b>70</b>. For example, a mating edge <b>1046</b> (flat face of post flange) of the post can physically contact the flat mating edge (front face of collar) of the collar <b>70</b>, wherein contact is ensured due to biasing of the biasing member <b>80</b>. The biasing member <b>80</b> can be formed of conductive materials, such as metals, or non-conductive materials. For example, the biasing member <b>80</b> may be made of steel, beryllium copper, stainless steel, silicone, high-carbon wire, oil-tempered carbon wire, chrome vanadium, and the like. Further still, embodiments of the biasing member <b>80</b> may include the collar <b>70</b> integrally attached such that the biasing member <b>80</b> and the collar <b>70</b> are one piece that is configured to compress in response to a connector <b>1000</b> being threaded or axially advanced onto port <b>100</b>.

Further embodiments of port <b>100</b> may not include a separate component to provide the biasing force, but rather the first insulator body <b>50</b> and/or the second insulator body <b>60</b> may include an integral biasing member. For instance, the first and/or second insulator bodies <b>50</b>, <b>60</b> may include a projection of the plastic (or conductively coated plastic or conductive elastomer) that may act as biasing member. Embodiments of an integral biasing member may include the insulator body <b>50</b>, <b>60</b> having an integral portion that is coiled to provide resilient properties to the insulator body <b>50</b>, <b>60</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> depicts an embodiment of biasing member <b>800</b>, wherein metal deposition techniques are used to form an insulator having metal traces and a built in spring to provide biasing and continuity.

Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, embodiments of port <b>100</b> may include a biasing member <b>180</b>. Embodiments of biasing member <b>180</b> may share the same or substantially the same function as biasing member <b>80</b>; however, biasing member <b>180</b> may be disposed between the first insulator body <b>50</b> and the second insulator body <b>60</b>, and configured to compress when a connector <b>1000</b> is threaded or otherwise inserted onto the port <b>100</b>. For instance, embodiments of biasing member <b>180</b> may biasingly engage the second edge <b>58</b> of the first insulator body <b>50</b> at a first end <b>181</b> and may biasingly engage the first edge <b>67</b> of the second insulator body <b>60</b>. Embodiments of biasing member <b>180</b> may be one or more resilient fingers disposed between the first and second insulator bodies <b>50</b>, <b>60</b>. When a connector <b>1000</b> is threaded or otherwise inserted onto port <b>100</b>, the biasing member <b>180</b> can compress between the first insulator body <b>50</b> and the second insulator body <b>60</b>, exerting a biasing force against the first insulator body <b>50</b>, which can ultimately force the post <b>1040</b> back into contact with the coupling member <b>1030</b> to extend electrical continuity through the connector <b>1000</b> and continue through the port <b>100</b>. The biasing member <b>180</b> can be formed of conductive materials, such as metals, or non-conductive materials. For example, the biasing member <b>80</b> may be made of steel, stainless steel, beryllium copper, silicone, high-carbon wire, oil-tempered carbon wire, chrome vanadium, and the like.

With reference now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, embodiments of port <b>100</b> may include a biasing member <b>280</b>. Embodiments of biasing member <b>280</b> may share the same or substantially the same function as biasing member <b>80</b>; however, biasing member <b>280</b> may be disposed between the first insulator body <b>50</b> and the second insulator body <b>60</b>, and configured to compress when a connector <b>1000</b> is threaded or otherwise inserted onto the port <b>100</b>. For instance, embodiments of biasing member <b>280</b> may biasingly engage the second edge <b>58</b> of the first insulator body <b>50</b> at a first end <b>181</b> and may biasingly engage the first edge <b>67</b> of the second insulator body <b>60</b>. Embodiments of biasing member <b>180</b> may be a rubber gasket, a rubber collar, or any generally cylindrical member that is elastic and can compress between the first and second insulator bodies <b>50</b>, <b>60</b> and exert a biasing force against the components. When a connector <b>1000</b> is threaded or otherwise inserted onto port <b>100</b>, the biasing member <b>280</b> can compress between the first insulator body <b>50</b> and the second insulator body <b>60</b>, exerting a biasing force against the first insulator body <b>50</b>, which can ultimately force the post <b>1040</b> back into contact with the coupling member <b>1030</b> to extend electrical continuity through the connector <b>1000</b> and continue through the port <b>100</b>. The biasing member <b>280</b> should be formed of non-conductive materials, such as rubber or similarly elastic material.

Referring still to the drawings, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> depicts an embodiment of port <b>100</b> in an original, rest position. The original rest position may refer to when the connector <b>1000</b> has not contacted the port <b>100</b>, and thus no deflection or compression of the components of port <b>100</b> has taken place. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> depicts an embodiment of port <b>100</b> in a compressed position. The compressed position may refer to the position where the connector <b>1000</b> has been fully or substantially advanced onto port <b>100</b>. For instance, the biasing member <b>80</b> is more compressed than in the position shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, and a stronger biasing force is being exerted against the collar <b>70</b>, and thus electrical continuity can be established and maintained between the post <b>1040</b> and the collar <b>70</b>. In the compressed position, the post <b>1040</b> of the connector <b>1000</b> is also forced/compressed/biased against the coupling member <b>1030</b>. However, those having skill in the art should appreciate that the post <b>1040</b> is biased against the coupling member <b>1030</b> prior to the fully compressed position, such as a position prior to full or substantial advancement on the port <b>100</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

With reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-7</figref>, the manner in which the port <b>100</b> extends continuity through a standard coaxial cable connector, such as connector <b>1000</b>, when the connector <b>100</b> is threaded or otherwise inserted onto the port <b>100</b> will now be described. In an original position (shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>), the biasing member <b>80</b>, <b>180</b>, <b>280</b> may be in a position of rest, and the collar <b>70</b> and a portion of the first insulator body <b>50</b> may extend a distance from the first end <b>91</b> of the outer housing <b>90</b> so that the post <b>1040</b> contacts the collar <b>70</b> prior to the coupling member <b>1030</b> threadably engaging the outer housing <b>90</b>, or after only a few revolutions of the coupling member <b>1030</b> onto the port <b>100</b>. However, embodiments of the port <b>100</b> in the original position may include the collar <b>70</b> at various axial distances from the first end <b>91</b> of the outer housing <b>90</b>, including embodiments where the collar <b>70</b> and the first insulator <b>50</b> are within the general opening of the outer housing <b>90</b> and not extending a distance from the first end <b>91</b>. As a connector <b>1000</b> is initially threaded or otherwise inserted (e.g. axially advanced) onto the first portion <b>10</b> of the outer housing <b>90</b>, the mating edge <b>1046</b> of the post <b>40</b> can physically engage the flange <b>75</b> of the collar <b>70</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. Continuing to thread or otherwise axially advance the connector <b>1000</b> onto the port <b>100</b> can cause the collar <b>70</b> and the first insulator body <b>50</b> to displace further and further axially towards the second end <b>2</b> of the port <b>100</b> and compress the biasing member <b>80</b>, <b>180</b>, <b>280</b>. Any compression/deformation of the biasing member <b>80</b>, <b>180</b>, <b>280</b> caused by the axial movement of the collar <b>70</b> and/or the first insulator body <b>50</b> results in a biasing force exerted against the collar <b>70</b> and/or the first insulator body <b>50</b> in the opposing direction while the biasing member <b>80</b>, <b>180</b>, <b>280</b> constantly tries to return to its original shape/rest position. The biasing force exerted onto the collar <b>70</b> and/or first insulator body <b>50</b> by the biasing member <b>80</b> transfers to a biasing force against the post <b>1040</b> in the same opposing direction (i.e. opposing the axial direction of the connector moving onto the port <b>100</b>) which extends continuity between the connector <b>1000</b> and the port <b>100</b>. Additionally, the biasing force exerted against the post <b>1040</b> can axially displace and/or bias the post <b>1040</b> in the same opposing direction into physical contact with the coupling member <b>1030</b>. The physical contact between the post <b>1040</b> and the coupling member <b>1030</b>, if the coupling member <b>1030</b> is conductive, extends electrical continuity between the post <b>1040</b> and the coupling member <b>1030</b>, thereby providing a continuous grounding path through the connector <b>1000</b>. The connector <b>1000</b> may be threaded or otherwise axially advanced onto the post <b>100</b> until the compressed position, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>; the biasing member <b>80</b>, <b>180</b>, <b>280</b> can constantly exert a biasing force while in the fully compressed position, thereby, in addition to establishing, the compressed biasing member <b>80</b>, <b>180</b>, <b>280</b> may maintain continuity through the connector <b>1000</b> which improves signal quality and afford improved RF shielding properties.

In another embodiment, the port <b>100</b> can extend electrical continuity through the connector <b>1000</b> and onto the port <b>100</b> without the need for collar <b>70</b>. For instance, the first insulator body <b>50</b> and/or the second insulator body <b>60</b> may be formed of a conductive rubber, or conductive material may be applied to the first and second insulators <b>50</b>, <b>60</b>. Accordingly, contact between the conductive insulators <b>50</b>, <b>60</b> and the post <b>1040</b> may extend electrical continuity therebetween. Those having skill in the art should appreciate that a conductive coating may be applied to the entire outer body, just a front face/edge, or the front face/edge and the outer surfaces of the first and second insulators <b>50</b>, <b>60</b>, (whichever insulator <b>50</b>, <b>60</b> will contact a post of a coaxial cable connector may be conductively coated).

With continued reference to the drawings, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> depicts an embodiment of port <b>300</b>. Embodiments of port <b>300</b> may share the same or substantially the same structure and function as port <b>100</b>. However, embodiments of port <b>300</b> can be used specifically for two-sided ports to provide continuity to two connectors, such as at a splice connection. For example, both the first and the second insulator bodies <b>350</b>, <b>360</b> are moveable within the axial opening of the outer housing <b>390</b> in response to the biasing force exerted by the biasing member <b>380</b> to axially displace and/or bias the post <b>1040</b> of a connector <b>1000</b> into physical contact with the coupling member <b>1000</b> as the connector is threaded or axially advanced onto the port <b>300</b>. The manner in which the port <b>300</b> provides continuity through the connector <b>1000</b> is the same or substantially the same as described above in association with port <b>100</b>. Moreover, the connectors configured to be threaded or axially advanced onto the port <b>300</b> may be the same or substantially the same as connector <b>1000</b>; those skilled in the art should appreciate that a connector mated onto one end of port <b>300</b> can be of a different size, quality, standard, performance level, etc. than the connector mated onto the other end of the port <b>300</b>.

Embodiments of port <b>300</b> may include an outer housing <b>390</b>, a first insulator body <b>350</b>, a first collar <b>370</b><i>a</i>, a second insulator body <b>360</b>, a second collar <b>370</b><i>b</i>, an electrical contact <b>330</b>, and a biasing member <b>380</b>. Embodiments of the outer housing <b>390</b>, the first insulator <b>350</b>, the first and second collars <b>370</b><i>a</i>, <b>370</b><i>b</i>, the electrical contact <b>330</b>, and the biasing member <b>380</b> may share the same or substantially the same structure and function as the outer housing <b>90</b>, the first insulator <b>50</b>, the collar <b>70</b>, the electrical contact <b>30</b>, and the biasing member <b>80</b>, <b>180</b>, <b>280</b>, respectively. However, embodiments of the biasing member <b>380</b> may biasingly engage the first collar <b>370</b><i>a </i>at one end <b>381</b> and a second collar <b>370</b><i>b </i>at a second end <b>382</b>. Further embodiments of port <b>300</b> may include an outer housing <b>390</b> having a first portion <b>310</b> and a second portion <b>320</b>, a first moveable insulator <b>350</b> disposed within the first portion <b>310</b>, wherein a first collar <b>370</b><i>a </i>is operably attached to the first moveable insulator <b>350</b>, a second moveable insulator <b>360</b> disposed within the second portion <b>320</b>, wherein a second collar <b>370</b><i>b </i>is operably attached to the second moveable insulator <b>360</b>, and a biasing member <b>380</b> disposed within the outer housing <b>390</b>, the biasing member <b>380</b> biasingly engaging the first collar <b>370</b><i>a </i>and the second collar <b>370</b><i>b. </i>

However, embodiments of port <b>300</b> may include a second insulator body <b>360</b> that is moveable within the general opening of the outer housing <b>90</b>, just as the first insulator body <b>350</b>. For instance, the second insulator body <b>360</b> may be a generally annular or cylindrical tubular member, and may be disposed or otherwise located within the generally axial opening of the outer housing <b>90</b>, proximate or otherwise near the second end <b>2</b> of the port <b>300</b>. Proximate the first end <b>361</b>, the second insulator body <b>360</b> may include a first mating edge <b>367</b> which is configured to physically engage a flange <b>375</b><i>b </i>of the second collar <b>370</b><i>b </i>that may be disposed around the second insulator body <b>360</b>. Proximate or otherwise near the opposing second end, the second insulator body <b>360</b> may include a second edge <b>368</b>. The second insulator body <b>360</b> may have an outer diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the opening of the outer housing <b>390</b> to allow the second collar <b>370</b><i>b </i>to fit within the opening of the outer housing <b>390</b>. Moreover, the second insulator body <b>360</b> may include an inner opening <b>365</b> extending axially from the first end <b>361</b> through the second end <b>362</b>; the inner opening <b>365</b> may have various diameters at different axial points between the first end <b>361</b> and the second end <b>362</b>. For example, the inner opening may be initially tapered proximate or otherwise near the second end <b>362</b> and taper inward to a constant diameter and then taper outward to a larger diameter proximate or otherwise near the first end <b>361</b>. The inner opening <b>365</b> may be sized and dimensioned to accommodate a portion of an electrical contact <b>330</b>, and when a coaxial cable connector <b>1000</b> is mated onto the port <b>300</b> on the second end <b>2</b> of the port <b>300</b>, the inner opening <b>365</b> may accommodate a portion of a center conductor <b>18</b> of a coaxial cable <b>15</b>. Furthermore, the second insulator body <b>360</b> should be made of non-conductive, insulator materials. Manufacture of the second insulator body <b>360</b> may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, compression molding, injection molding, spraying, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component.

With reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-8</figref>, embodiments of a method of providing continuity through a coaxial cable connector <b>1000</b> may include the steps of providing an outer housing <b>90</b>, <b>390</b> having a first end <b>91</b>, <b>391</b> and a second end <b>92</b>, <b>392</b>, the outer housing <b>90</b>, <b>390</b> configured to terminate a coaxial cable connector <b>1000</b> at one or both of a first end <b>91</b>, <b>391</b> and a second end <b>92</b>, <b>392</b>, disposing a biasing member <b>80</b>, <b>180</b>, <b>280</b>, <b>380</b> within the outer housing <b>90</b>, <b>390</b> to bias at least one collar <b>70</b>, <b>370</b><i>a</i>, <b>370</b><i>b </i>and advancing the coaxial cable connector <b>1000</b> onto the outer housing <b>90</b>, <b>390</b> to bring a post <b>1040</b> of the coaxial cable connector <b>1000</b> into engagement with the at least one collar <b>70</b>, <b>370</b><i>a</i>, <b>370</b><i>b</i>, wherein the engagement between the post <b>1040</b> and the at least one collar <b>70</b>, <b>370</b><i>a</i>, <b>370</b><i>b </i>biases the post <b>1040</b> into a coupling member <b>1030</b> of the coaxial cable connector <b>1000</b> to extend electrical continuity through the connector <b>1000</b>.

While this disclosure has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as required by the following claims. The claims provide the scope of the coverage of the invention and should not be limited to the specific examples provided herein.